Kwankwaso: LG Financial Autonomy Is About Law, Not Politics
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – Frontline Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress stalwart, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, on Monday thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s insistence on full financial autonomy for local governments, describing it as a constitutional imperative rather than a political favour.
Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso who is the Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, told journalists in Kano that respecting local government autonomy is critical to grassroots development and national stability.
Kwankwaso, who served two terms as chairman of Madobi Local Government Area during the administration of former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, noted that President Tinubu’s directive that governors should allow councils direct access to their allocations reflects a clear understanding of Nigeria’s structural problems.
He said, “This is not about politics; it is about saving the system from collapse at the grassroots”.
Kwankwaso argued that financial autonomy would empower councils to address unemployment, insecurity and social infrastructure deficits more effectively.
In his words, “When local governments control their funds, they can employ idle youths, support community vigilantes, and respond quickly to local security threats”
He added that autonomy would also restore development at the community level. “With direct funding, councils can execute projects that matter to the people hospitals, schools, feeder roads and local security initiatives — instead of waiting endlessly for approvals from the state”.
Recalling his time in office, the former council chairman said tangible development was possible even with limited resources. “When I was chairman about 20 years ago, Madobi received roughly ₦30 million monthly. After paying salaries of about ₦9 million, we still executed projects that are standing today,” he recalled.
He contrasted that with the present situation, noting that councils now receive significantly higher allocations without commensurate impact. “Today, Madobi gets over ₦1 billion monthly, yet because the funds are centrally managed at the state level, you hardly see projects on ground,” he said.
Kwankwaso stressed that local government financial autonomy is not a discretionary policy of the President but a binding legal obligation. “This is based on a Supreme Court judgment. Governors must respect it if we truly believe in the rule of law,” he warned.
Commenting on President Tinubu’s 2026 budget proposal, Kwankwaso expressed optimism, citing ongoing infrastructure projects across the country. “Railway projects like Kano–Maradi and Kano–Abuja, as well as major road constructions nationwide, show real commitment to development,” he said.
He also commended recent improvements in security coordination, crediting the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the defence leadership. “Areas like Birnin Gwari and the Abuja–Kaduna road, once no-go zones, are now relatively safer. Similar efforts are underway in Zamfara and Sokoto,” he noted.
Kwankwaso dismissed claims that President Tinubu faces resistance in the North, insisting that public perception favours the administration. “From Kano to Maiduguri and across the North Central, the President enjoys support. Nigerians can see the results and will respond accordingly,” he said.